Morocco orders airlines to carry extra fuel amid temporary jet fuel shortage

Moroccan aviation authorities have imposed an unprecedented set of requirements on all international airlines flying into the country, requiring them to adjust their fuel planning ahead of departure due to temporary constraints on the availability of jet fuel at Moroccan airports, Al Arabiya Business reported on February 9, citing an official Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) issued by Morocco’s Flight Information Region (GMMM). 

The measure is intended to preserve strategic fuel reserves, prioritise emergency needs, and maintain flight schedules without major disruption, particularly for aircraft unable to carry return fuel due to capacity or performance constraints.

The new measures came into force on February 7 and will remain valid until February 13. The instructions apply to all inbound flights without exception, including scheduled commercial services, charter operations and cargo flights.

Under the new protocol, airlines operating wide-body aircraft are required to uplift the maximum possible amount of fuel at their departure airports, within technical performance limits and in full compliance with safety regulations, particularly maximum landing weight restrictions.

For narrow-body and medium-haul aircraft, operators have been instructed to apply a fuel tankering strategy, loading sufficient fuel to cover both the outbound and return flights, thereby avoiding refuelling at Moroccan airports during the affected period.

The NOTAM allows for limited flexibility in exceptional circumstances. Refuelling within Morocco is permitted only at the minimum level required under aviation safety protocols to ensure safe onward operations, with authorities stressing that local refuelling should be kept to an absolute minimum.